Whose White House is it Anyway?

As the countdown begins for the presidential elections in USA; the anxiety, the exhilaration and the sheer anticipation is palpable even from the secret headquarters of The Saltlist at New Delhi. It’s the definitive battle; the battle between the Lawyer and the Businessman; between the Donkey and the Elephant. The fight, which has been almost head-to-head so far (or so us enthusiasts would like to think), is poised to have a grand finish that may change the course of world affairs and diplomacy.

Let’s cut to the chase, though. I want Obama. Now before you accuse me of being predictable and maybe terse, let me plead my case. Barack Obama has comprehensively managed to turn the opinion of the world in favour of the United States by implementing efficient policies and through use of diplomacy. The Iraq War, for example, was repeatedly criticised for the massive human casualties, financial costs, illegality of the invasion; and some deeming it “completely unnecessary”. It was the Obama administration that managed to order all US military forces out of Iraq thereby ended a nine-year long battle. The same is now being initiated in Afghanistan and the US troops are expected to withdraw by next year. It was through his leadership that the world’s most wanted terrorist was captured and killed, and Obama graciously gave credit where it was due by acknowledging the efforts of thousands of men and women of the America’s intelligence and the SEAL Team Six, who carried it out. On February 1, 2011, Obama publicly stated for Egyptian President Hosni Mobabrak to accept the reforms or step down. Just ten days later, Mobarak’s thirty year dictatorial rule came to an end. Remarkably, while the relations between Israel and United States came under the most strain under President Obama, he has managed to win the support of many political groups by suggesting that a two-state nation with statehood for Palestine is the only option.

Contrast that with a candidate who maintains that keeping US in Iraq is important for minimising casualties, who feels that the Bush tax exemptions should be made permanent etc etc and you have what is called a one-sided game. As Mitt Romney joked, addressing out-of-work Floridians at a rally: “I should tell my story, I’m also unemployed”. Well Sir, it’s probably best if you stay so.